perspective buyer questions

[Guest pete in atlanta]

Howdy All,

I'm in the market and am thinking about a Venture.

I've got other bikes that fit their purpose but I need a bike for two up multi-state rides.

 

I've never ridden a venture and am interested in learning the pros and cons of this bike against it's competition.

The few reviews I've found thus far state that the motor and brakes are underpowered for a bike this heavy. I don't really care about motor power (think two up with a wife that grabs my balls (a.k.a. the brakes) when I scrape the pegs with her on the back, but I do want good brakes. If the stock ones are bad, what options are available?

 

When I go look at a used bike, what should I be looking for? What are the common problems this bike has?

What's the best mods to make?

 

I'm 6'2- how's the wind noise and weather protection on the highway?

How about for the passenger?

 

The other bikes I'm looking at are Goldwing, BMW RTS and BMW K1200

Thanks,

-P

[Guest tx2sturgis]

Pete, nice to meet you.

 

Well first off, Yamaha cured the brake problem, if anything, they are TOO powerful now...especially the back brake. its made to be able to haul a two up bike down from speed all by itself...riding solo, it can be a bit 'touchy'.

 

So....what some do is mods to make it less powerful. Details are in the forum for you to do if you want...or, just learn its grab point, and work with it.

 

Power is fine. Some want more, but I like it the way it is. Just right. If its any quicker, you can easily break the rear loose in corners...not good. But some do want more, and that is fine...hop-ups are availiable. As is, it will smoke most stock Harleys, and some modified ones as well. Dont get in a race for pinks with a V-rod or Buell tho. And you wont be flicking this bike quickly thru hairpins...its a HEAVY bike.

 

Five year warranty, good...rear lighting, bad....seat comfort, good...engine noise, bad....luggage capacity, good, mileage, bad. ( well, not terrible!)...Handling? as good as it gets for a big road sofa, without buying a sportbike.

 

Instrumentation, barely adequate. Top heavy? yep. Stereo? Works good. Cruise control? Ditto.

 

But...looks? fantastic...comfort on long rides? it dont get no better. Aftermarket support? not as good as Harley, but damn close. You wont find all that many on the roads, so its a bit exclusive, if that means anything to you.

 

You have to ride one to decide if you like it....and I say you have to ride one at least twice, on two different days, to decide. Its a big roadgoing monster if your a small guy. Its a cushy road sofa if your a big dude. Unless your a giant, the windsheild is fine...and you can buy even taller, wider ones too.

 

If your passenger is not comfy on this bike, she doesnt need to be on any bike.

 

Oh, and dont worry, you can upgrade the rear lighting. For a hundred bucks or so, you can have a nice well lit rear. The bike I mean.

 

Price? Ah... Price. Well, work the dealers, and you can get a new one for $15,000 or less. Sometimes a LOT less.

 

And one thing the reviews dont tell ya.

 

THIS WEBSITE...full of great ideas, fine vendors, and wonderful people!

 

This is it...not sugar coated...warts and all. Buy one and join us...or buy something else, and still, you can join us.

 

Thats the way we feel here.

 

Again, nice to meet you Pete. and let us know what you decide.

[Eck]

Hi Pete,

Hey, not trying to run off with your post here but I noticed your from atlanta..

There is an upcoming meet & eat very close to you on the 10th and thought you might want to make plans to attend so you can meet some of the other boys who play here.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21917

 

 

 

And getting back to your post now..The Venture is a GREAT choice....

At first you will notice it is very TOP HEAVY,,,but as you ride it you become familar with the bike and get to where you dont even notice it..

and you can find out anything you want about it right here for free...

[RedRider]

Pete,

 

There is no more comfortable bike for a tall rider. I'm 6'4" and tried the BMW b4 buying the Venture. No comparison with comfort. The Venture has it all.

 

As for power, I ride 2 up and pull a trailer. Other than increased stopping resistance from the additional weight, I don't even know the trailer is there (and it's full of the wife's junk).

 

If you can score a nice 2 or 3 year old used Venture, you will still have a couple of years of warranty left on a very reliable bike.

 

There are raising links available that are easy to install and make the slow speed handling much easier. Cost about $75. These bikes are easy to wrench on - if you are into that.

 

Great group for support here - none better. Stop by the Maintenance Day at Freebird's and check 'em out. You will not be disappointed. Give your wife a ride on the back of one of these bikes and your decision will be made. Passenger comfort is unsurpassed.

 

Welcome.

 

RR

[Squeeze]

Front Brakes can be upgraded with other Calipers from a YZF-R1/R6/FJR and a Mastercylinder from a Roadstar or something. Estimated Costs are 200 to 250 USD for used but fine Parts.

[AKRefugee]

Pete,

 

What Brian said summed it up very well. I am 6'2" with 36" inseam.

I looked and rode quite a few different rides including the GW, RK,

Ultra Classic and others. This was the only one that gave me the

leg room I wanted. As for paxs comfort my sweetie is so comfortable

back there that she has fallen asleep a few times.

 

Regarding the rear lighting I did mine for about $50 using LED's.

 

I can put on 350 to 400 miles a day and not be hurting when I get off.

 

What ever you select enjoy the ride.

[SaltyDawg]

Just remember we are all biased here. The best thing about owning a Venture is the great people you meet from this site when you go to meet and eats. Some of the best fun you can have and still be legal, well ok sometimes the line is a little fuzzy and may have been crossed. I don't know. When Beer30 and RiderDuke get together all bets are off!!

 

Seriously though, it is a great motorcycle and other than a few little quirks (straight gear whine being one of them) you can't go wrong. The comfort is unmatched in my book. I was so impressed with my first RSV that when I bought my current one it was out of warranty and had 40,000 mile on it and I didn't even think twice about buying it. They are so reliable that most people have only used the warranty for replacing the rear shock, which by the way is probably the only weak link on this bike. It just wasn't designed for what we use these bikes for.

[Guest Saddletramp]

Pete, I test rode one last summer at Americade and decided that I would have one. I'm 6-1 with 36 inch inseam and I am very pleased with the way this bike fits me. I sat on a couple of different bikes and wasn't satisfied with the fitment. As far as power the biggest thing that I noticed was the difference between the 1100 twin that I was accustomed to and the v-4 of the Venture. The v-4 is not a lugging engine like a twin is. The torque curve appears to be at higher rpms. To sum it up I have an 06 RSV with 8000 miles and LOVE it. There are presently 2or 3 listed on the Star Touring site for sale if interested.

[bar836]

The bike is great! Top heavy - never noticed it. Under powered - hell no. Brakes - very good. Weight - This is a big bike, so it is expected to be a bit heavier. I'm 6'-3" 245# and it is a perfect fit. Nothing out there that comes close. The power on this bike is different than a V-twin. I came from a Roadstar (which i still have) and it was a little different to get use to, you have to wind it out a bit more. Take one for a ride - you'll love it !

[BuddyRich]

Underpowered ? Nope, but you do have to wind them out. They are not v-twins so you can't ride them like that. As far as being top heavy ... http://www.ridelikeapro.com will help you solve that problem. I'm 6'2" and the bike is a perfect fit. A 500 mile day is easy on this bike.

[Jethroish]

I am 6'1" and 210 pounds. This is a great bike for taller frames. My dad has a Kaw Voyager and I noticed this week, while he was visiting, that his bike is nowhere near as top heavy. His bike weighs about the same as the Venture.

As for power, I have no complaints about the Venture's power. Gets up to speed very quick, even 2 up.

My last 2 tanks of fuel, I got 46.3 and 47.2 mpg while cruising at 60 mph. That was 2 up about 50% of the miles.

 

[Alex]

Darn I feel little...I am 200 lbs. 5' 8" w/ a 29 "inseam...A good pair of boots and I can flat foot 'er...I see no one mentioned the tires...when you wear out your 1st set, put on Avon Venoms, and you will have another love affair with ure bike!! Had a Wing before buying mine...I am very happy with my choice.

[TESchoener]

HI -

I recently bought a Venture after looking at all the other options which are well known.

You will not go wrong with a Venture. The pros and cons have been pretty well summed up. I'm 6'2" 210 and moved up to the RSV from a V-Star 1100 (which I rode 5 years and have been coast to coast border to border on). I'll tell you the Venture PERFECT for the serious tour rider. YES, it took some getting used to the weight, I was 'used to it' after 200 miles of 2-up touring. You will notice some top-heaviness with a rider when you are STOPPED. However, this BIG BIKE is as nible as they come while riding. Everything is very comfortable for both of us. The one thing I did not like is the windshield. It is made to look THROUGH it. I want to see ahead of me and look OVER it. I bought a Show Chrome 4" lower shield. NOW YOU'RE TALKING!! Also put on an aftermarket rider backrest. I also want to attest to the guys on this site as being a GREAT BUNCH. I had a couple of questions in the forums and had answers and suggestions from everywhere.

Add that to 5 year warranty and road side assistance - dealer network support - accessories available.

Am I happy with my Venture.....YES!!!

Tom Schoener

[1sttenor]

I've had two wings - good bikes - but the day long riding position of the RSV is second to none. You won't be sorry.

[hig4s]

 

When I go look at a used bike, what should I be looking for? What are the common problems this bike has?

What's the best mods to make?

 

I'm 6'2- how's the wind noise and weather protection on the highway?

How about for the passenger?

 

The other bikes I'm looking at are Goldwing, BMW RTS and BMW K1200

Thanks,

-P

 

Problems,

1: some have a whine that won't go away, mine makes some noise but good synthetic made it hardly noticable.

2: The stock tires suck, need to be changed fairly soon. I've got 8000 on mine and just can't stand them anymore, switching to Avons within the next couple weeks.

3. Wind noise and noise in general is much better than unfaired or sport bikes, but not as quiet as a Goldwing or a BMW 1200LT.

 

On the better side:

Wind and weather protections very good for rider, pretty good for passenger.

Comfort and room excellent for rider and close to as good for passenger as the Goldwing and BMW LT.

Floorboards over pegs made a huge difference in comfort for me.

 

Good mods:

Get a backrest, I have a Utopia.

If you don't mind looking through the shield, upgrade to a Clearview XXL with vent. They put the Goldwing vent in the RSV shield. Vent helps keep the rider cool in hot weather, and the taller sweptback shield improves passenger wind and weather protection. It also sheds rain better than stock.

Also get the Yamaha side vent wings.. they can be opened to get air around the legs when hot out, or closed to improve weather protection.

My wife and I just did a trip from Jacksonville to the Keys. It was the first long trip she has ever been on, and she could go as long as I could without a break on the back of the RSV.

 

Try to find dealers that will let you test ride them all, that is the only way to be sure you get the one you really want. Of course that can backfire, I like them all and had a real hard time deciding after riding them all.

[Guest tx2sturgis]

Problems...

 

The stock tires suck, need to be changed fairly soon. I've got 8000 on mine and just can't stand them anymore, switching to Avons within the next couple weeks.

 

Good mods: Get a backrest, I have a Utopia.

 

 

 

Only want to add this to that:

 

If your new Venture comes with the Dunlops 404's as mine did, they dont suck. They handle OK, but they dont wear particularly long. The Bridgestones are the ones that everybody seems to dislike.

 

If you ride with a passenger, you might benefit from a backrest, but I find them to be bothersome in town. ( the backrest, not the passenger!) And on longer trips, I just pack my T-bag and put it behind me...works great as a backrest!

 

Just my 2 cents.

 

 

[MAINEAC]

Hi Pete.. 50 year old Fat Guy here.. 6'3" 300 34" inseam.. I have done 2000 miles in 2 days flat solo pulling a trailer... a 7000 mile trip 2 up w/trailer.. This is the most comfortable Big Man Luxury Tourer out there... I consider the GW and the BMW K1200 Standard Touring Bikes and the RSV is a Touring Cruiser along with H-D Electra, Ultra, and Road Glides and the new Victory Vision Tour... The distiction is the style and foot position.. The Cruisers have Floorboards out in front of the rider... Standards have pegs under the rider. I can't ride any distance with my feet under me anymore and the RSV has more legroom than any of the Harleys or the Vic.

 

If you want more sources check these sites out:

 

The Venturers Motorcycle Club This a pay site with a free trial

 

_Royal Star Riders - V-Fours Rock!_ on Delphi Forums

 

Royal Star Venture and Tour Deluxe on Delphi Forums

[boominup]

I pretty much "ditto" everything that was posted here but I will add that this V/4 only starts to build power where the V/Twins are petering out. I installed the Dyna 3000 ignition module on mine and it lets you "safely" adjust the spark advance and the rev-limiter. It will nail 100 mph in 3rd gear IF needed and make most Harleys nothing but a speck in your rear view mirrors. I've owned both 1st and now 2nd generation Ventures and they both keep the "Grin Factor" alive on my face! My only other choice would have been the very dependable Wing but I was not very comfortable on that bike. My hips would start cramping up after a short ride because of my feet being under me instead of being stretched out like on my Venture. Brian

[DragonRider]

Welcome Pete, as Eck said, come out and join us at our meet and eat next weekend. Here is the link to it.....N. Georgia Meet & Eat 4/10/08

 

 

If you come out you can get some first hand info on the bike, and who knows, some 2nd gen owner might even let you try out their ride.........wont be me, I ride a 1st gen, the real Venture...........but its down for a facelift right now so I will be on my other ride.........You will meet lots of great VR family......and have a great time to boot. So much for the pitch..........Welcome to the site hope you find a comfortable ride for you and your co pilot wether it be a Venture or what ever, you will always be welcome here...........

Hi Pete,

Hey, not trying to run off with your post here but I noticed your from atlanta..

There is an upcoming meet & eat very close to you on the 10th and thought you might want to make plans to attend so you can meet some of the other boys who play here.

 

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21917

 

 

 

And getting back to your post now..The Venture is a GREAT choice....

At first you will notice it is very TOP HEAVY,,,but as you ride it you become familar with the bike and get to where you dont even notice it..

and you can find out anything you want about it right here for free...

[jer878]

Bought this for 14k + tax brand new have about 16.5k in it now (tax inc) with all the goodies. trunk rack, bag rails, radiator guard, Diamond R back rest (must have in IMHO) Hy way pegs, passing lights and the HD rear light / tag bar. Just added Bub Slip On Sleepers and maaannnn what a powerful sound, ordered a Clearview XXL shield for the lil' lady. Power? I blow my relatives away on their aftermarket equipped HD,s. Just have to get used to the higher RPM's of the V4. I dropped my front shock tubes about an inch 'cause I'm of the vertically challenged, won't be an issue for you. Mine came with Dunlap's so I got lucky, tires are good. Road the "Dragon's Back" last August and what a pleasure. Formally rode a 83 GW and 04 Sabre. Hope this helps.